Washington DC– National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) President Bill Reinsch issued the following statement in response to President Obama's State of the Union address:

Trade Policy: "We are very pleased that the President took his pro-trade message directly to the American people tonight. Recently, including in December at our centennial dinner, the President has highlighted the important role trade plays in supporting U.S. economic growth and American jobs, and tonight was no exception.

"Trade agreements like those currently under negotiation – the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, Trade in Services Agreement and multilateral trade initiatives at the World Trade Organization – are aimed at creating new rules for a fairer trading system, breaking down barriers for U.S. exports, strengthening commercial ties with dynamic economies across the globe and generating opportunity for American companies, farmers and workers. However, to fully maximize the benefits of these and future agreements, Congress and the Administration must work together to enact bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority legislation as soon as possible this year."

U.S. Cuba Policy: "The President's remarks tonight coupled with the Administration's recent actions are solid first steps toward thawing and normalizing relations with Cuba. We welcomed the Administration's announcement in December, as well as the new rules implementing the policy changes, and we look forward to working with policymakers to re-establish relations between our two countries."

Tax Policy: "In addition to expanding trade, the United States needs an updated tax system – one that enables a more level playing field for U.S. companies – to ensure U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. We urge Congress and the Administration to work together to pass much-needed comprehensive tax reform this year."

Iran Sanctions: "As NFTC and USA*Engage noted in a letter today to all members of the House and Senate, Congress should let the nuclear negotiations between the P5plus1 and Iran play out before enacting additional unilateral sanctions against Iran. Congressional action at this time would be both premature and counterproductive. Echoing the President's remarks this evening, we urge policymakers to give the negotiations the space and time to conclude."

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About the NFTC

NFTC is Celebrating our New Century in 2014! Details at www.nftc.org The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules-based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York. Follow us on: